This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/CKB.2ACE/1580.1.1 Message Board Post: Thank you for the information, Mariana. Since 2002 I have found some additional information. Fred's father was a veteran of the Civil War, and I have his pension file from the National Archives. On a form dated 5 Jul 1898, to the question "Have you any children living?" Fred's father wrote, "Yes Grace Blakesley, born Nov 1877, Fred Blakesley born Mch 13, 1888 these children are both adopted." Signed James H. Blakesley. On a similar form dated 17 Oct 1898, to the same question he wrote, "Grace M. Blakesley born Nov 25, 1876 Adopted. Fred Blakesley born March 13, 1885 Adopted." James H. Blakesley was the son of Benjamin T. Blakesley and Abigail O'Dell of Busti, Chautauqua Co., NY. Arena I. Rounds was the daughter of Reuben B. Rounds and Anna B. Gregory. Arena first married William Hess in 1861. He was also a soldier in the Civil War, and died in 1862. Arena married James H. Blakesley 4 July 1865 in Warren, Warren Co., PA. James H. Blakesley died 24 May 1908 at Golden City, MO.